Is the 2013 Ford ESCAPE reliable?

The 2013 Ford ESCAPE has 3670 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ford ESCAPE?

Top problems: ENGINE (1435 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (400 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (340 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ford ESCAPE?

Yes, there are 18 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ENGINE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Ford ESCAPE?

The 2013 Ford ESCAPE gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Ford ESCAPE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ford ESCAPE is approximately $1,585/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Ford ESCAPE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ford ESCAPE has 3670 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.9x the segment average of 1283. The most common issue is engine problems (39% of all complaints), specifically: my 2013 ford escape, 1.6 liter engine, had 3 recalls, (two were engine fire related). all 3 recall repairs were done by the local ford dealer, salem, va. we picked vehicle up after third recall work had been done on 9/17/12. we assumed the recall work was done correctly, and that ford's "fix" worke. There are 18 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 124 fire reports filed.

124 fire reports 37 crash reports 54 injuries

3670

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

2.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

1435 complaints

39%

• MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE, 1.6 LITER ENGINE, HAD 3 RECALLS, (TWO WERE ENGINE FIRE RELATED). ALL 3 RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, SALEM, VA. WE PICKED VEHICLE UP AFTER THIRD RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON 9/17/12. WE ASSUMED THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY, AND THAT FORD'S "FIX" WORKE
• THERE IS AN ACCELERATION LAG ON PARTIAL THROTTLE. THIS MAINLY OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN. WHEN NO ACCELERATION IS FELT, THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED FURTHER AND, AFTER A DELAY, THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE USING THE MANUA
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V551000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A CONCURRENT RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WA

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 68 fire reports💥 8 crashes

“MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE, 1.6 LITER ENGINE, HAD 3 RECALLS, (TWO WERE ENGINE FIRE RELATED). ALL 3 RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, SALEM, VA. WE PICKED VEHICLE UP AFTER THIRD RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON 9/17/12. WE ASSUMED THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY, AND THAT FORD'S "FIX" WORKE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Ford ESCAPE

Based on 2,610 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 73K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

481

30-60K

474

60-100K

931

100-150K

590

150-200K

117

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 58K mi · 72 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 40K mi · 61 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 58K mi · 57 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DOORS/LATCHES

Earlier than typicalmedian 66K mi · 30 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 58K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Earlier than typicalmedian 31K mi · 26 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (18)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT16/07/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape, and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles, equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S20. Note: Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Ford ESCAPE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ford ESCAPE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,585

Full coverage / month

$132

Liability only / year

$626

vs US avg

-5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1585

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford ESCAPE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2013 ESCAPE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Videos About the 2013 Ford ESCAPE

Videos hosted on YouTube — embedded via official player

2013 Ford Escape - Review and Road Test

Kelley Blue BookNov 2012

BUY OR BUST! 2013-'15 Ford Escape High Miles Review!

TopLineRacerJul 2024

Ford Escape 2013-2019 Problems, Engines and Reliability

MaxTheCarGuyFeb 2023

2013 Ford Escape Review

AutoGuide.comApr 2012

2013 Ford Escape SEL Review - A 212,000 Mile Daily Driver!

Shooting CarsOct 2025

Videos are hosted on YouTube and embedded here via YouTube's official player. BestCarRank does not host or produce these videos. Watch counts and channel information are pulled from YouTube's public Data API.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 3670 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: MY 2013 FORD ESCAPE, 1.6 LITER ENGINE, HAD 3 RECALLS, (TWO WERE ENGINE FIRE RELATED). ALL 3 RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, SALEM, VA. WE PICKED VEHICLE UP AFTER THIRD RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON 9/17/12. WE ASSUMED THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY, AND THAT FORD'S "FIX" WORKE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: THERE IS AN ACCELERATION LAG ON PARTIAL THROTTLE. THIS MAINLY OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A TURN. WHEN NO ACCELERATION IS FELT, THE THROTTLE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED FURTHER AND, AFTER A DELAY, THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE USING THE MANUA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO GO ON FOR A FLAT TIRE. LIGHT WENT ON WHEN TIRE WAS REMOVED. AFTER TEMPORARY TIRE WAS PUT ON 3 DIFFERENT LIGHTS KEPT FLASHING ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVEN. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO AN UNDISCLOSED OBJECT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAIT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 18 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)